About Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault

What is Domestic Abuse?

Domestic violence occurs when a family member, partner or
ex-partner attempts to physically or psychologically dominate another.
Domestic violence often refers to violence between spouses, or spousal
abuse but can also include cohabitants and non-married intimate
partners.

There are three categories that abuse often falls into:

Emotional Abuse

Continually criticizing you, calling you names and cursing at you

Isolating you from work, friends, family or social activities

Humiliating you in private and/or public

Lying and trying to manipulate you

Threatening to harm you and/or other family members

Using intimidation to gain cooperation

Threatening to take your kids away or using visitations to harass you

Physical Abuse

Using or displaying weapons

Throwing objects at you or others

Smashing or destroying property

Driving recklessly with you in the car

Pushing, shoving, hitting, slapping, strangling, spitting, or restraining you or other family members

Sexual Abuse

Insisting that you dress in a more sexual way than you wish

Insisting on unwanted or uncomfortable touching

Calling you sexually explicit names

Video taping or photographing you without or knowledge or consent

Although some types of abuse are clearly more dangerous than others, all show a lack of respect and are an effort to intimidate and control you.

Planning Ahead

When thinking about leaving, each individual situation is
unique. Project Woman is here to help you create a Safety Plan for your
specific needs if you would like. If you are considering leaving, some
key items to have with you at all times are:

What is Sexual Assault?

Sexual Assault is any unwanted
sexual contact or attention achieved by force, threats, bribes,
manipulation, pressure, tricks, or violence. It is a crime of power
& control where sexual acts are used to dominate and humiliate the
individual.

If YOU are being abused . . .

Don’t blame yourself! In an emergency, get to a safe place and call 911. If you have been raped or sexually assaulted, call Project Woman at 1-937-325-3707, or go directly to the hospital.

Talk with someone you trust — a good friend, a caring
health care or social worker, a sensitive family member, or an
understanding person from your faith community.

Talk with someone who will:

Listen to you

Believe you

Not blame you

Not discriminate against you

Keep what you tell them confidential

Allow you to make your own decisions

If you have been raped . . .

Seek safety

Do not shower, bathe, douche, wash your hands, brush your teeth, use the toilet, or smoke to prevent destruction of evidence.

Go to the hospital for an exam

Do not change your clothing. Take all the clothes you
were wearing with you for evidence. If possible, bring an extra change
of clothes with you when you go to the hospital.

Do not straighten up your house or apartment if it was the scene of the crime.

Locate an organization that offers services for survivors of sexual assault

Supporting Survivors

It is normal for survivors to have a variety of responses
after an assault. It is common to have feelings such a guilt, shame,
depression, hopelessness, fear, denial or powerlessness.

Listen

Do not blame the survivor for the assault.

Don’t push them to talk, but also do not assume they have completely recovered.

Accept the survivor’s reactions, whatever they may be. Avoid comparing their experience to others’ experiences.

Do not take control of the situation. Remember, the
survivor has been robbed of all sense of control, so letting them make
decisions will be empowering. Support their decisions, even if you
disagree with them.

Help identify a support system and encourage them to seek counseling or help.

Be patient and let him/her recover at their own rate. It
may take weeks, months or years. Survivors may never “forget” the
attack.

Take care of your own feelings, but don’t let them
overshadow those of the survivor. Do not hesitate to seek outside help
form a rape crisis center, counselor, or friend.